The Mazatlán Harbormaster’s Office will carry out a special operation this weekend on tourist catamarans to ensure that vessels do not exceed their passenger capacity and that all users are properly wearing life jackets, announced Regional Harbormaster Captain Luis Antonio Barrera Varela.
The maritime authority explained that the goal is to reinforce safety measures due to the growing influx of recreational tours, as well as to promote a stronger culture of self-care among service providers and tourists.
“We’re going to conduct an operation where Harbormaster personnel will board each catamaran, count the number of passengers, and check that everyone is wearing a life jacket,” he said.
Barrera Varela emphasized that these measures are not intended to cause inconvenience but to ensure basic safety conditions during recreational navigation, especially during peak tourist seasons.
He noted that both vessel owners and passengers must take responsibility when facing the natural risks of the sea.
The life jacket, he said, is often the only factor that can make a difference in a maritime incident.
“Sometimes we conduct operations and tell people to put on their life jackets and they get upset. We all need to be aware — everyone must do their part. It’s useless if the authorities say ‘wear your life jacket,’ and passengers remove it as soon as they leave the jetty. Consequences come later and they say, ‘The Harbormaster didn’t check,’” he said.
Context
Catamarans operating in Mazatlán’s bay vary in size and capacity, from small vessels designed for reduced groups to larger units capable of transporting dozens of passengers. Most offer recreational tours around the bay, and some allow alcohol consumption and feature live banda music on board — factors that increase the need for reinforced safety measures.